'I visited Croatia's beautiful beaches but there's one thing you must pack'

Croatia, one of Europe's most picturesque beach destinations, offers a less crowded alternative to Spain or Portugal. During my visit, I explored the stunning beaches in Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar, discovering some truly beautiful spots, says writer Ester Marshall.

However, there's one essential item that tourists should remember to pack for a Croatian beach holiday. Many of Croatia's beaches are rocky, and if you plan on swimming, beware of sea urchins. These small marine creatures may resemble harmless black rocks, but their incredibly spiky exterior can easily put a damper on your holiday, reports the Express.

Sea urchins inhabit the entire length of Croatia's Adriatic Coast, so there's a high chance you'll encounter one if you take a dip. While public beaches sometimes undergo sea urchin clearance, these creatures are often found at more secluded beaches and even at popular spots.

Despite their seemingly innocuous appearance, sea urchins are covered in tiny claw-like pincers that can deliver a painful sting.

‌A sea urchin sting can result in pain, redness and swelling, potentially leaving you with a sore foot for the remainder of your holiday.

To safeguard your feet, most tourists opt to wear swim shoes when entering the water in Croatia. These aqua shoes typically feature a rough plastic bottom that provides protection.

Although these shoes can be purchased at tourist shops in Croatia's coastal towns, you might save money by buying them in advance from Amazon or Sports Direct.

Being incredibly lightweight, they can be easily packed in your hand luggage without any hassle.

These shoes are also a great asset if you're planning on activities like kayaking, sailing or rock pooling during your Croatian adventure.

For those who aren't fans of rocky beaches, Paradise Beach in Lopar is worth a visit, being one of the few sandy spots in Croatia.